Downlighting

Aiming fixtures from above to cast light downward over paths, patios, and plantings.

Downlighting places fixtures high in a tree, on a wall, or under an eave and aims them downward to wash the ground below with light. It mimics the way natural light falls from the sun or sky, so the effect feels familiar and unforced. Designers use it to illuminate paths and patios, to add safe, gentle light to a seating area, or, when mounted high in a tree to filter through branches, to create the soft dappled effect known as moonlighting. Because the source sits above eye level and shines down, downlighting controls glare well and lights broad areas evenly. It pairs naturally with uplighting to build a balanced, layered scene.

← Back to the full glossary